Donald Trump has been elected as the 47th president of the United States on November 5, 2024, and his presidency is expected to significantly shift military strategies in the Middle East. His strong support for Israel remains a cornerstone of his foreign policy, with potential normalization agreements with Saudi Arabia on the horizon [586e95e0].
As Trump prepares to take office, the landscape of U.S.-Israel military cooperation is likely to continue, with expectations of increased arms sales and intelligence sharing. Experts predict that Trump may push for Israel to conclude its military operations in Gaza and Lebanon, emphasizing the need for strategic success and de-escalation efforts [586e95e0].
The recent escalation of violence following Hamas's surprise attack on October 7, 2023, and the ongoing Gaza war complicate any future diplomatic efforts. Arab states are looking to Saudi Arabia to moderate Trump's pro-Israel policies, particularly as concerns mount over his potential nominees who favor Israel and adopt hawkish stances on Iran [91f02a76][d50debf4].
Key donors, including Miriam Adelson, anticipate that Trump will continue to support Israel's interests, potentially pushing for further annexation of the West Bank. Trump's campaign rhetoric suggests a desire to conclude the Gaza conflict by January 2025, although specific strategies remain unclear [93afd525].
In a notable development, Qatar has paused its mediation role between Israel and Hamas, complicating ceasefire efforts. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's far-right government is unlikely to make significant concessions, while Hamas demands a complete end to the fighting. The U.S. has recently approved a $20 billion arms sale to Israel, reinforcing American support for Israeli military operations [49d29bce].
Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman is seen as pivotal in influencing Trump's approach to Palestinian issues, with normalization of relations with Israel potentially being used as leverage. However, this normalization hinges on the recognition of Palestinian statehood, reflecting the broader regional implications of U.S. foreign policy [91f02a76][d50debf4].
Moreover, the Houthis, a Yemeni group, have expressed skepticism about Trump's commitment to Arab voters, warning that continued U.S. support for Israel could exacerbate economic issues domestically [5e742d36]. As the Biden administration attempts to balance support for Israel with humanitarian concerns in Gaza, it faces challenges in normalizing relations between Israel and Saudi Arabia, which have been complicated by the ongoing violence [49d29bce][ef378af9].
Experts suggest that Trump's administration may adopt a more aggressive stance toward Iran, potentially increasing sanctions while avoiding direct military conflict. The thawing relations between Iran and Gulf states add another layer of complexity to any peace efforts [91f02a76]. The outcome of the current conflicts in Israel will significantly influence Trump's policy direction, especially if the Israeli government becomes weakened and is forced to make concessions to Palestinians [93afd525].
As the situation evolves, Trump's ability to navigate these challenges will be critical. His unpredictability poses risks for Saudi Arabia's regional leadership ambitions, raising questions about the feasibility of achieving lasting peace in the Middle East [d50debf4][49d29bce].